Stellantis has announced that it will put a ‘groundbreaking’ new E-Car compact EV into production within 18 months.

The parent group of Citroen, Fiat, Peugeot and Vauxhall says it wants to meet the growing demand for small, affordable EV with a model that will meet the European Commission’s planned E-Car framework.

This framework is loosely inspired by Japan’s kei car regulations and aims to create a city-focused class of car between the current M1 passenger car and L7 quadricycle classes. The M1E class also aims to promote European manufacturing by rewarding car makers who build in Europe with “super credits” towards their corporate CO2 targets.

In recognition of this, Stellantis says its first E-Car will be built at its Pomigliano d’Arco plant in Italy, where the hybrid Panda is currently made.

The group said the “innovative, affordable” EV will be developed in the “true tradition of European people’s mobility”, and address the rapid contraction of the affordable small car market in recent years.

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa commented: “The E-Car is a concept that finds its natural match in the small car success that runs deep in our European Stellantis DNA.

“Our customers are calling for a revival of small, stylish vehicles, proudly produced in Europe, which are also affordable and environmentally friendly. Stellantis is answering their call with exciting new models for multiple brands.”

Details of those brand-specific models are under wraps but it has long been rumoured that Citroen is poised to bring back the 2CV name on a cheaper A-segment model to sit beneath the E-C3.

Fiat has also left space for a “baby” Panda to sit beneath the Grande Panda as part of a planned five-car Panda “family”.

Competition in the electric A-segment is set to hot up in the coming year with the arrival of cars such as the Renault Twingo, Nissan Pixo, Volkswagen ID.1 and Smart #2. However, cars in the E-Car class are expected to sit below these, with smaller batteries and less powerful motors, as well as restricted physical dimensions, all intended to keep costs down and make them suitable for crowded urban environments. Dacia has previously hinted at its own E-Car design with the Hipster, pictured below.

Full specifications for the M1E class are yet to be set out, but the European Commission said it aimed to set requirements for a 10-year period to give manufacturers certainty for product planning.

Read more:
Stellantis to launch tiny city-focused E-Car by 2028

Automotive giant Stellantis has signed a new deal with Chinese state-owned carmaker, Dongfeng, to manufacture new Peugeot and Jeep models in China from next year.

Stellantis and Dongfeng, one of China’s ‘big four’ car manufacturers, already have a joint venture partnership named ‘Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobile’ (DPCA).

Previously, DPCA has built a range of Peugeots in China, including the 4008, 5008, and long-wheelbase 508 L for the local market. It also manufactured the last generation Citroen C5 Aircross and the C5 X for Chinese customers.

The new models – two each from Jeep and Peugeot – will be built for the domestic and export markets.

Stellantis has yet to provide any real information about the Jeep models, but confirmed they will be “off-road new-energy vehicles” or NEVs. NEV is a catch-all term coined by Chinese manufacturers to describe EVs, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) or hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Technical information surrounding the Peugeots was even more vague. Given China’s emphasis on electrification, we can assume that these two new models will fall under the NEV bracket. What we do know is that they will be based on the Concept 6 and Concept 8 show cars, which debuted at the 2026 Beijing motor show.

The Peugeot Concept 6 previews a sleek estate car not dissimilar to the 508, while the Concept 8 is new range-topping SUV that’s reportedly larger than any car previously built by the French firm.

This new deal between Stellantis and Dongfeng is supported by “the favourable automotive industrial policies of the Hubei province and the Wuhan municipality” and is worth a combined €1 billion (£871m) of investment. Stellantis will contribute around €130m (£113m) to the total amount.

The move comes as a part of a wider Stellantis plan to strengthen ties with its Chinese joint venture partners as a way of cementing its position as a major player on the EV landscape.

Just recently, Stellantis confirmed that Leapmotor will build a new Vauxhall SUV using the Hangzhou carmaker’s EV architecture. To provide further context, Alain Favey, Peugeot CEO, explained that Dongfeng’s technology is “more advanced than what we can deliver in Europe”.

Read more:
Dongfeng to build new Peugeot and Jeep models in Wuhan from 2027

With new looks but the same hardware, can the 2026 Peugeot E-408 make a case for itself in the crowded family EV market?

The Peugeot 408 launched all the way back in 2022, but it took until late 2024 for an all-electric version to join the range.

Whatever the reason for the delay, it means that the E-408 was around for barely a year before Peugeot announced it was being updated.

The 2026 Peugeot E-408 was revealed at the Brussels Motor Show, and is now with us, bringing new looks and a substantial price cut as the French brand looks to establish itself as a more serious player in the EV sphere.

Positioned as a saloon/fastback/crossover at the top end of the C-segment, it’s hard to pigeonhole the E-408 or identify obvious rivals, but priced from the mid-£30,000s, it’s in the same mix as everything from mid-spec VW ID.3s to base-spec Kia EV4s and entry-level Ford Capris.

Design, interior and technology

This midlife facelift for the E-408 really is all about the aesthetics.

For 2026 there’s a whole new front end which, while not a million miles from the original, does bring a sharper, more contemporary look.

New three-claw running light units sit just under the bonnet line and are connected by a new illuminated upper grille which in top-spec cars also includes a light-up Peugeot badge. To make space for the new running lights, the main headlight units have been relocated to the lower bumper where they’re almost invisible until lit.

At the rear there’s also a new lighting design incorporating a 3D-effect and illuminated Peugeot script across the centre of the fastback boot. Also new for 2026 is the bold Flare Green paint. Designed to “shift” with the light, it changes from almost yellow in some lights to a deep metallic green, and is definitely a Marmite choice. It’s also the standard colour, so if you don’t like it, you’ll need to pay for another shade.

As far as refreshes go, it’s all pretty standard and it’s still not massively different from the previous model but does bring a slightly fresher look to this unconventionally styled fastback.

The 4.7m-long 408 is marketed as somewhere between a saloon and an SUV and its taller ride height is slightly at odds with its sharp, sweeping bodywork. From some angles it’s a refreshingly different approach, from others it can look a bit bloated.

The interior changes are similarly low-key. There are new fabric finishes for lower-grade cars and the addition of lashings of Alcantara for top-spec GT Premium on seats and doors. There are also new graphics for the digital instruments which, in GT Premium, get a neat 3D effect that effectively places data on different layers in front of the driver.

Apart from that, it’s the same story as before, with a strikingly styled and well constructed cabin designed around the iCockpit concept’s twin 10-inch screens. The refreshed instrument panel sits in a slim envelope above the low-set and oddly compact steering wheel, with a larger 10-inch infotainment system angle towards the drive. The screen’s operating system sadly hasn’t been refreshed and remains a frustratingly designed and sluggish affair. A bank of customisable digital shortcut keys beneath help somewhat but there are still far more user-friendly systems out there.

Sitting just below the space the old 508 used to occupy, the E-408 offers impressive interior room. It’s easily spacious enough for the old trope of four six-footers, with good head room and knee room, plus space under the seats for your feet. The only ‘bump’ is a big transmission-style hump that limits its use as a five-seater. Boot space is a decent 468 litres, accessed via a wide-opening hatchback.

Battery, motor and driving

While there have been visual tweaks inside and out, under the surface the E-408’s powertrain remains unchanged.

It uses the same 211bhp/253lb ft front mounted motor as before, which delivers perfectly adequate, if unremarkable, progress. There’s reasonable shove from the motor and 0-62mph is dispatched in an acceptable 7.2 seconds, with enough mid-throttle torque to allow relatively easy motorway passing.

However, for a car near the top of the brand’s line-up it feels under-batteried compared to other models coming out of the Stellantis stable.

While cars like the E-3008 and Vauxhall Grandland are getting a massive 97kWh battery with more than 400 miles of range, the limitations of the E-408’s older CMP2 platform mean it’s stuck with a 58kWh battery.

Officially that’ll return 283 miles on a charge and 4.3m/kWh. On a pleasantly warm spring day, I saw 4m/kWh which is pretty good for such a large car and suggests Peugeot has done some work to improve this setup, which historically hasn’t been great for efficiency. However, with similarly priced cars offering ranges of well over 300 miles, it’s still falling behind the curve, especially with charging capped at 120kW.

More positively, the E-408 remains a pleasant thing to drive. It’s not the last word in dynamics but it is still fairly direct and agile for a car of its size, with just a touch of body roll belying its raised ride height. That’s perhaps due to fairly soft damping which allows for a well managed ride that smooths out all but the most aggressive potholes. Coupled with noteworthy noise insulation, it’s a relaxed and relaxing place in which to cover miles.

Price and specification

Along with the new front end, one of the biggest changes for the 2026 E-408 is around pricing.

When it first went on sale in early 2025, the E-408 cost more than £40,000 – pretty punchy for a car with such middling tech specs. Now, Peugeot has euphemistically “realigned” the car’s price point, bringing the EV’s starting price down to £34,195.

That’s before the Electric Car Grant, which shaves another £1,500 off and takes the on-the-road price down to £32,695 – just £700 more than the hybrid model.

That will get you the Allure spec with 19-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear glass, reversing sensors and camera, keyless entry/start and LED lights with high beam assist. Twin 10-inch screens, vehicle-to-load capability and adaptive cruise are also standard across the range.

Above that the GT trim is priced from £35,095 after the grant and adds adaptive headlights, the 3D tail lights, and a powered tailgate. It also brings part faux-leather upholstery, ambient lighting and front parking sensors along with more advanced connected features.

Top-spec GT Premium is an extra £2,500 and brings the 3D instruments, a 360-degree camera, a heat pump and rear cross traffic warning. There’s Alcantara upholstery, heated massage seats with a memory function and a Focal premium stereo.

Verdict

At its new price point, the E-408 is certainly a more attractive prospect than before.

For the money, it’s a spacious, refined and comfortable family option, with decent specification and sharp, if somewhat divisive looks.

Technically, though, it feels like it’s slipping behind. While its offering will be sufficient for many people, with rivals offering more power and range for similar money, it becomes a less convincing package.

Peugeot E-408 GT Premium

• Price: £39,095 (£37,595 as tested after ECG)
• Powertrain: Single-motor, front-wheel-drive
• Battery: 58.3kWh
• Power: 211bhp
• Torque: 253lb ft
• Top speed: 99mph
• 0-62mph: 7.2 seconds
• Range: 283 miles
• Consumption: 4.3m/kWh
• Charging: up to 120kW

Rivals

• Kia EV4: Another hugely capable EV from the Korean specialist. Offers fuss-free family motoring and 388 miles of range for a similar price, if not quite as spacious as the Peugeot. Comes with a weird Fastback option if you’re into quirky design
• Ford Capri: A similarly confused coupe-SUV with decent passenger space and similar specifications for the money. Does offer longer-range variants but with a significant price hike
• Tesla Model 3: On the plus side, basic models now start from under £38k and bring 330-mile range and great charging support. On the negative, the interior is like a coffin and the brand has a certain stigma that some will struggle with

Read more:
Peugeot E-408 review: What’s new pussycat?

The Peugeot E-208 has charm by the bucketload, but it can’t quite compete with newer rivals, and it’s very expensive.

Would you believe that? The Peugeot E-208 has been around since 2019, making it older than the Polestar 2 and, just a few years fresher than the Tesla Model 3. Time really has flown that quickly in the EV world.

Previously one of the few all-electric superminis on sale, Peugeot’s competitors have swiftly caught up and, in some cases, eclipsed the E-208, with their own more modern alternatives: step forward the Renault 5 and the Mini Electric.

While a little time-worn in some respects, the E-208 does have plenty of merits: The range is better than some new alternatives, it’s smashing to drive, and it still looks great.

Peugeot E-208 design, interior and technology

Unlike the R5 or the Mini, the Peugeot E-208 isn’t based on an EV-only platform. Instead, it rides on parent company Stellantis’ Compact Modular Platform, which can be fitted with either an electric drivetrain or an internal combustion one.

All of this means that the E-208 doesn’t have a single floor-mounted battery. Instead, separate packs are placed where the internal combustion cars’ mechanical gubbins would otherwise be, providing an H-shape battery layout. The E-208’s sister cars, the Vauxhall Corsa Electric, the DS 3 E-Tense, and the Peugeot E-2008, adopt a similar setup.

The CMP does, however, translate into a compact footprint as the E-208 measures just over four metres long and 1.7m wide. It also looks like the petrol or diesel version of Peugeot’s smallest. That’s no bad thing, as the 208 is an exceedingly pretty car, and our car’s EV-exclusive Agueda Yellow paint really pops. In fact, it looks so good, it’s a surprise it comes as standard.

Inside, the Peugeot E-208 eschews a screen/haptic-only approach. Instead, the centre of the dash gets a 10-inch infotainment screen, with a series of toggle switches to operate the car’s climate-control… which is in the screen. As is the aforementioned screen’s home button. As is the ADAS tab.

While the tactile buttons are a pleasant addition to things, they don’t make a lot of sense. I am not an ergonomist, but surely having the toggles for separate non-screen-related tasks would be a more logical approach.

As for the screen, it’s not particularly nice. It’s the same laggy unit found on the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce and the Abarth 600e Scorpionissima. The graphics aren’t great, it doesn’t make a lot of sense in terms of layout, and it feels a decade behind similar cars. The day that Stellantis sacks this off in favour of Google built-in can’t come soon enough.

Peugeot says the infotainment screen is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-compatible, yet the former worked depending on the position of the sun, how the wind was blowing, and the state of the moon. TL;DR, it worked when it wanted to, which wasn’t very often.

Happily, the 10-inch driver’s display is a much more pleasant affair. Placed in a trapezoidal driver binnacle, the unit’s 3D graphics really stand out, and lag is present but still minimal. Once again, this part of the E-208’s cabin isn’t without fault – Peugeot’s tiny i-cockpit steering wheel proves impossible to position, meaning a clear dial readout is nigh-on impossible.

As well as the ergonomic quirks, the E-208’s cabin is tight. Anyone over six feet needs to wheel out their best Quasimodo to fit in the back. Things up front prove not much better, especially if you’re as fat as me. Boot space measures up to 311 litres with the seats up, and 1,118 with them folded 60:40. It’s worth noting that there’s neither a frunk, nor an under-floor space for the charging cables.

While the E-208’s cabin is well-made and visually intriguing with its use of geometrics and varying surfaces, it’s very much a case of form over function. When the second-generation E-208 arrives later this year, rethought ergonomics and a simpler-to-use cabin must surely be a priority for Peugeot.

Parent company Stellantis should also consider a new gear selector design. The ‘Stellantis Comedy Special’ is fitted to everything from the E-208 to the plush DS No8. A bit of variation between two such different cars wouldn’t go amiss.

Peugeot E-208 battery, motor, and driving

Thanks to a 2025 update, Peugeot’s smallest EV is now capable of up to 268 miles on a single charge. Our car in top-tier GT Premium trim came with a 51kWh battery and a front-mounted, 154bhp motor. Range here was slightly less, with Peugeot quoting an official figure of 262 miles.

There is also a smaller 50kWh unit available, which returns a range of between 217 to around 225 miles depending on trim level. More of that in the next section, though.

Historically, Peugeot knows a thing or two about how to make a good-handling hatchback, and the E-208 is no different. The chassis is taut, and despite relatively lowly power and torque figures, the Pug zips along eagerly.

Despite my continued reservations about the iCockpit, the teeny-tiny wheel suits spirited driving, and that’s where the E-208 excels. It’s hilariously good fun on B-roads, and the kickdown from what would usually be the loud pedal adds to the sensation of emissions-free hooning.

The steering rack is rapid and not dissimilar to that of the Mini Electric. Given the Mini’s go-kartesque handling, this is no bad thing. The upcoming E-208 GTI is based on this outgoing model. Promising. Very promising indeed. At motorway speeds, the E-208 is pleasant. While the cockpit is tight, the Alcantara seats are bolstering, and the ride is supple.

Peugeot E-208 price and specification

In a nutshell, the E-208 is not cheap. In entry-level Allure trim, it is priced from £30,150. This gets you a colour-coded upper half of the grille, and… not much else. The infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster is standard across the range, as is hands-free start, connectivity to the Peugeot app, and a driver tiredness camera, which you will inevitably want to turn off.

The £32,300 mid-tier GT introduces full-LED headlamps, a 3D driver display, some black exterior cladding, and an HD rear camera. At the sharp end of the Peugeot E-208 range is the GT-Premium, which is ludicrously expensive at £34,100.

For your money, the top-tier E-208 comes with Alcantara seats, a TomTom-based navigation pack, and more ADAS. The GT-Premium does, however, come with a standard-fit heat pump that comes in very useful when pre-conditioning the car and eking out those precious extra miles during the colder months.

Peugeot also offers all E-208 models with the £1,500 Electric Car Grant, so you can subtract that from the prices quoted here.

Verdict

The Peugeot E-208 is fundamentally likeable. It’s a hoot to drive, and despite being the best part of a decade old, it still looks fresh.

While the form-led cabin is a disappointment, it’s the nigh-on £35k asking price that remains this E-208’s biggest drawback. If Peugeot can nail the next-gen car’s ergonomics and price point, then the R5 and another major rival, the upcoming Volkswagen ID. Polo will have a major fight on their hands.

Peugeot E-208 GT Premium

• Price: £34,900 (without £1,500 Electric Car Grant)
• Powertrain: Single-motor, front-wheel-drive
• Battery: 51kWh
• Power: 154bhp
• Torque: 199lb-ft
• Top speed: 93mph
• 0-62mph: 8.2 seconds
• Range: Up to 268 miles (WLTP)
• Consumption: 4.4 miles/kWh
• Charging: Up to 100kW

Also consider..

• Renault 5: The darling of the electric supermini world, the R5 combines retro looks with an affordable starting price and bags of personality. A multi-award winner for good reason.
• Mini Electric: Retro cool look and feel and much improved range over the original, but comes with the Mini price premium
• MG4 Urban: Nowhere near as stylish or fun to drive, but a proper family hatchback for not a lot of money

Read more:
Peugeot E-208 review: Confusing, flawed, but ultimately likeable

Peugeot is facing long production delays on its E-3008 and E-5008 models due to issues at its European battery supplier.

Peugeot’s parent company Stellantis has been hit by slower-than-expected levels of production at the Automotive Cells Company (ACC) factory in France, leading to delays of up to eight months on long-range variants of the two SUVs.

Following reports of delays by Bloomberg, Peugeot confirmed to EV Powered that a combination of high demand and slow ramp-up at the gigafactory in Billy-Berclau Douvrin meant deliveries of the E-3008 and E-5008 SUVs were being delayed.

A Peugeot spokesperson told us: “Due to exceptionally strong demand, driven primarily by B2B [business to business] fleets, which represent nearly 90% of all orders, current order volumes now exceed production capacity.

“The ramp-up with our supplier is progressing, but at a more gradual pace than originally anticipated. To maintain our quality standards, we have chosen not to accelerate production at the expense of finish or reliability.

“As a result, vehicles are being delivered progressively, with average lead times currently estimated at six to eight months. We expect to complete delivery of the existing B2B order portfolio by end of September 2026, with remaining orders fulfilled by Q1 2027.”

They added that in the face of the delays, Peugeot was offered fleet customers “transition” solutions including the 75kWh Standard Range and plug-in hybrid versions of both cars instead.

It is not clear whether the problems also affect other Stellantis brands but Citroen uses the same 97kWh battery in the long-range version of the E-C5 Aircross and Vauxhall is due to launch a version of its Grandland using the same pack.

ACC general secretary Matthieu Hubert told Bloomberg: “The ramp-up is difficult but we are learning every day and doing as much as possible to service our clients.” According to Bloomberg’s sources ACC has now brought in experts from China to help speed up production and reduce “high scrap levels” at the site.

ACC is a joint venture between Stellantis, TotalEnergies-Saft, and Mercedes, with strong backing from European governments including those in France, Germany and Italy and site in all three countries. It had two research and development facilities in France along with the north-eastern gigafactory, with work underway to build two more factories, one in Kaiserslautern, Germany and one in Termoli, Italy.

Its stated ambition is to build “batteries for the future” with twice the energy density and range in half the weight and with three times faster charging than current batteries.

Read more:
Peugeot EVs face delays after battery supply issues

From Alpine and Citroen to Vauxhall and Volkswagen, these are the EVs that qualify for the government’s electric car discount

The UK Electric Car Grant (ECG) is officially up and running and after a slow start, a growing number of cars have been added to the list of eligible models.

The ECG aims to boost electric car sales by offering discounts of either £1,500 or £3,750 on the list price of brand new EVs.

Although buyers don’t have to do anything to claim the discount, car makers have to apply for approval for each model. That has led to a delay between the grant being announced and cars being confirmed as eligible.

There are also complicated calculations to determine which band of grant each car qualifies for. You can read more about the grant and how it works here, as well as our pick of the best eligible models.

After the initial delay, more and more cars are being granted approval for the ECG, and here we’re keeping track of every eligible model. Quoted prices are after the ECG has been applied.

We’ve also got a separate list of the car makers offering their own discounts instead of the ECG.

Alpine

If the idea of a hotter version of the Renault 5 wasn’t already appealing enough, the Alpine A290 is now eligible for the full £3,750 iscount under the UK Electric Car Grant

• Alpine A290 – priced from £30,245

Citroen

French brand Citroen was the first to get approval for the ECG, with its whole EV line-up qualifying. The E-C5 Aircross has since qualified for the higher £3,750 allowance.

• Citroen e-C3 – priced from £20,595
• Citroen e-C3 Aircross – priced from £21,595
• Citroen e-C4 – priced from £26,150
• Citroen e-C4 X – priced from £27,215
• Citroen e-C5 Aircross – priced from £32,565
• Citroen e-Berlingo M1 (passenger) – priced from £29,740
• Citroen E-SpaceTourer – priced from £35,445

Cupra

Cupra has two all-electric models on sale but only one falls below the £37,000 threshold to qualify for the ECG.

• Cupra Born (excluding VZ) – priced from £34,190

DS

DS, the premium French sibling to Citroen, is the latest Stellantis brand to gain approval for its EVs. Like the rest of the cars based on the group’s EMP2 platform, its two eligible models qualify for the lower £1,500 band 2 reduction.

• DS 3 – priced from £35,495
• DS No.4 – priced from £35,495

Ford

Ford is the first brand to secure the full band 1 grant of £3,750 for two of its models, presumably because their electric powertrains are constructed in the UK. There’s no word yet on its European-built Explorer or Capri models.

• Ford Puma Gen-E – priced £26,235
• Ford E-Tourneo Courier – priced from £29,940

Hyundai

Hyundai has an enviable line-up of all-electric models, from the dinky Inster to the massive Ioniq 9. But for now just one car qualifies for the official grant – the Kona Electric. While it gets the Band 2 allowance, the rest of the range benefit from between £1,500 and £3,750 off through Hyundai’s own in-house offer.

• Hyundai Kona Electric – priced from £33,500

Kia

Kia is among the first brands to secure grant approval for a vehicle built outside of Europe, with its PV5 Passenger van. It has also attained the band 2 grant for its first European EV, the EV4 hatchback, but only in entry-level trim.

• Kia EV4 Hatchback Air – priced from £33,245
• Kia PV5 Passenger – priced from £34,495

Mini

The three-door Mini Electric still doesn’t qualify for any discount due to its Chinese manufacture, but its big brother the Countryman has been added and, what’s more, gets the larger discount.

• Mini Countryman Electric – priced from £29,255

Nissan

Nissan says it’s confident the new Sunderland-built Leaf will qualify for the full £3,750 grant when it launches. In the meantime, all versions of the Micra and some variants of the Ariya qualify for the £1,500 saving

• Nissan Micra – priced from £21,495
• Nissan Ariya (excluding E-4ORCE and Nismo) – priced from £33,500
• Nissan Leaf – priced from £32,249

Peugeot

Peugeot has recently boosted the number of its models eligible for the ECG and has also launched its own discounts on some of its more expensive models.

• Peugeot E-208 – priced from £28,650
• Peugeot E-308 – priced from £33,460
• Peugeot E-2008 – priced from £33,900
• Peugeot E-408 – priced from £35,560
• Peugeot E-Rifter – priced from £30,850
• Peugeot E-Traveller Combi – priced from £35,425

Renault

The entire Renault EV range qualifies for the ECG, making its host of smart, awarding-winning cars more affordable, especially now that bigger battery versions of R4 and R5 qualify for the full band 1 discount.

• Renault 5 – priced from £21,495
• Renault 4 – priced from £23,445
• Renault Megane – priced from £30,995
• Renault Scenic – priced from £35,495

Skoda

Following the introduction of a price cap on the grant, not all versions of Skoda’s EV range qualify. However, the majority of Elroq variants and two versions of the Enyaq are eligible for a £1,500 discount.

• Skoda Elroq – priced from £29,535
• Skoda Enyaq – priced from £36,835

Toyota

Toyota’s home-built  bZ4X doesn’t currently qualify for any discount but its sister car the C-HR+ does. Toyota also manages to get another car onto the list thanks to its partnership with Stellantis, which builds the passenger version of the compact Proace City van.

• Toyota Proace City Verso – priced from £31,995
• Toyota C-HR+ – priced from £32,995

Vauxhall

Vauxhall’s keen pricing means that, like Citroen, its entire EV range is eligible for the Electric Car Grant. That means a £1,500 saving on the following:

• Vauxhall Corsa – priced from £26,005
• Vauxhall Mokka – priced from £31,005
• Vauxhall Frontera – priced from £22,495
• Vauxhall Astra – priced from £33,505
• Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer – priced from £34,575
• Vauxhall Grandland – priced from £35,455
• Vauxhall Combo Life Electric – priced from £30,960
• Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric

Volkswagen

Volkswagen recently secured approval for selected versions of its ID.4 and ID.5 SUVs, adding them the the ID.3 hatchback on the list of cars eligible for the band 2 grant.

• Volkswagen ID.3 (excluding GTX) – priced from £29,360
• Volkswagen ID.4 – priced from £36,995
• Volkswagen ID.5 – priced from £36,995

Read more:
This is every car approved for the UK Electric Car Grant

Peugeot has unveiled a facelifted version of its all-electric E-408 in the Belgian capital, boasting updated front and rear ends, a new body colour, and improved range.

This updated take on the French brand’s eye-catching fastback is the first Peugeot to feature illuminated Peugeot lettering at the rear, integrated into a transparent strip spanning the rear of the car, which connects a new set of tail lights inspired by Peugeot’s ‘three-claw’ design signature.

The new E-408’s front end also benefits from a sharper design. Once again, a claw-inspired DRL light signature runs the width of the front end in a fashion not dissimilar to the latest Peugeot E-308 hatchback and wagon.

Sitting in the centre of what appears to be a more sculpted grille is an illuminated Peugeot Lion shield hiding the car’s proximity radar. In line with the flair of recent Peugeot models, this latest e-408 boasts a new trapezoidal bumper, which houses the headlamps in its bottom half.

The ‘Flare Green’ paint option is another external aesthetic change and exclusive to the E-408. Peugeot claims it “offers spectacular shade variations depending on light exposure—shifting towards bright yellow in sunlight and deep green in shadow.” Gloss and matt black accents across the new E-408’s bodywork only serve to bolden what’s already a striking design.

Inside, the new Peugeot E-408 is largely unchanged over the existing car. However, the 10-inch driver display comes with some updated graphics, while new fabrics and materials such as aluminium, along with Alcantara and Nappa leather, promise to take perceived quality up a notch.

Under the skin, just one choice of powertrain and battery is available. This single electric motor produces 211bhp along with 253 lb ft of torque. It’s mated to a 58.2kWh battery with a maximum charging speed of 120kW, meaning the new Peugeot E-408 can be charged from 10 to 80% in around 30 minutes.

Thanks to a series of aerodynamic tweaks, the new Peugeot E-408 – with its slippery new drag coefficient – can cover 283 miles on a single charge, three more than the outgoing model.

The new Peugeot E-408 will go on sale in the UK in the next few months, with pricing expected to start at around £42,000, the same as the existing car.

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Oh la la: New Peugeot E-408 lights up Brussels Motor Show

EV Powered’s pick of the most exciting new electric models coming in the next 12 months – from city cars to luxury saloons

2025 was a great year for EVs. Not only did we see dozens of great new cars coming to market but they brought fresh variety across a huge number of segments – from affordable superminis to astonishing supercars.

And the great news is that 2026 looks set to be just as good, if not even better. We’ve got the return of some famous names and the arrival of some exciting brand new ones too. There’s more than 70 new models slated to arrive in the next 12 months but here we’ve rounded up the 10 that the EV Powered team are most excited to see.

Renault Twingo

We’ve already had a sneak peek at the new Renault Twingo, which has just whetted our appetite for this revived city car. Set to arrive in late 2026, it is an all-new, all-electric reimagining of Renault’s innovation A-segment car. Its looks are a tribute to the cute frog-like original but, like the original, they’re balanced with clever design to maximise interior space and bring modern technology. A 27.5kWh battery should give 163 miles of range and an 82bhp motor feels well-suited for city use, while prices from around £17,000 mean the Twingo will help make EVs more accessible than ever before. Renault’s revival of other models such as the Renault 5 has been a huge success and we’re expecting similar things from the Twingo.

Subaru E-Outback

We’re making no apologies for looking forward to this car. Everyone likes Subaru but the brand hasn’t had the easiest start to its EV journey. The Solterra has struggled to find its feet for various reasons but the E-Outback might just fix that. Not only does it bring electrification to a familiar name but it also goes back to Subaru’s speciality – slightly rugged 4×4 estate cars. Based on the same platform as the Solterra and the Toyota bZ4X Tourer, the E-Outback promises a jacked-up ride height, all-wheel-drive from a 375bhp two-motor powertrain and a dedicated X-Mode for off-road duties. It will also do 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds and cover up to 279 miles on a charge of its 74.7kWh battery.

Cupra Raval

The Cupra Raval is another car EV Powered has had early access to and the initial signs are really promising. The Raval is the first in four B-segment cars from the VW Group and lays the groundwork for the VW ID.Polo hatchback as well as the VW ID.Cross and Skoda Epiq crossovers. It’s also the most exciting, bringing Cupra’s sporty flair to the small hatchback segment. With up to 223bhp and bespoke sports steering and suspension, the VZ Extreme promises true hot hatch engagement and drives brilliantly, while even lesser “Dynamic” models will pack 207bhp and up to 279 miles of range. And with pricing from £26,000, it could give the Renault 5 a run for its money.

Kia EV2

Kia continues to impress with its expanding electric line-up and we’re expecting that to continue into 2026 with the EV2. Predictably the smaller sibling to the EV3 SUV, this compact crossover is due to debut in January, bringing a new entry-point to Kia’s EV range and going head to head with the Renault 4. Concept images show a boxy design inspired by the much larger EV9 and we expect the final car to look very similar. Tech specs are under wraps. We know this smallest Kia EV is based on the same platform as the EV3 but we expect a less powerful motor and smaller battery that that car’s 201bhp/58kWh pairing. It will also be Kia’s most affordable EV yet, with prices expected to start at under £25,000.

Alpine A390

Alpine’s engineers have already proved that they know their onions with the A290 – a nicely spiced up version of the Renault 5. But for 2026 they’ve been given free rein with the A390, Alpine’s first bespoke EV. Positioned as a rival to the Porsche Macan, the A390 is Alpine’s biggest car – a five-seat coupe-SUV, but the French brand promises it will still deliver the deft, agile feel of cars like the A110. Equipped with a tri-motor arrangement, the A390 will produce up to 464bhp and sprint from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds. It will also feature trick torque vectoring and carefully tuned suspension and steering for that traditionally Alpine driving experience.

BMW i3

The BMW i3 is perhaps the most significant car on this list. It is the first all-electric version of the firm’s iconic 3 Series and is, therefore, hugely important. It’s based on the all-new, EV-specific Neue Klasse architecture and promises to be smaller, more efficient and more high-tech than the existing i4 electric saloon. Like the new iX3, this four-door saloon is expected to offer up to 463bhp, all-wheel-drive and 500 miles of range from a massive 107kWh battery. It’ll also bring some of the fastest charging around, at 400kW. Cheaper single-motor variants could appear later on and we’re expected a full-bore electric M3 at some point to put cars like the BYD Seal 3.8 and Tesla Model 3 Performance firmly in their place.

Honda Super-N

Honda is another brand that’s struggled with its early EV attempts. The Honda e was innovative, stylish and cursed with a woeful range and ludicrous price, while the e:Ny1 is the definition of automotive mediocrity. But the Super-N promises something new. It’s based on the N-One e – a Japanese-market kei car. That means it’s a tiny 3.4m by 1.48m, ideal for the UK’s crowded cities and positioned to challenge the Renault Twingo. A 63bhp motor is enhanced with simulated gearshifts and a boost mode, while a 29.3kWh battery should give around 150 miles of range. A chunky bodykit gives it a youthful sporty look and if Honda can get the pricing right, the Super-N could bring a whole new audience to the brand.

Peugeot E-208 GTI

Peugeot has said that it is going to stay true to the GTI badge’s roots with its next generation of EVs. So, no GTI SUVs, instead the first car to wear the famous badge will be the compact e-208. Beneath the sharp design with its purposefully aggressive body kit and beefed up alloys, the E-208 GTI uses the same spicy running gear as the Abarth 600e and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce. That means a 276bhp motor and a Torsen mechanical LSD. It also means bespoke sports suspension and steering calibration. We’ve been blown away by how good this setup is in taller SUVs, so we can’t wait to see what the lower, lighter hatchback can do with it.

Jaguar Type 00

Perhaps the most controversial EV revelation of recent years, the Jaguar Type 00 is the car designed to relaunch the British brand as an all-out luxury proposition. The Type 00’s staggering looks have divided opinions almost as much as the associated marketing campaign, but there’s no denying that it has got people talking about Jaguar again. The Type 00 is a concept and the as-yet-unnamed production version will tone things down but we can’t wait to see how the final four-seat grand tourer turns out. Jaguar is predicting close to 500 miles of range, and charging that will add 200 miles in 15 minutes. We’re also expecting more than 600bhp and a six-figure price tag.

Smart #2

The Smart #2 marks a return to familiar territory for Smart. Once famous for tiny city cars, its electric era has seen it focus on larger premium-tinged SUVs. But in 2026 it’s going back to its roots with another tiny city-focused EV. The #2 will be a simple two-seater urban runabout and early indications are its design will echo the famous Fortwo’s short boxy looks. Technical details are scarce, but Smart says the #2 will bring “cutting edge” technology never before seen in its segment. We’re expecting a significant improvement over the old ForTwo EQ’s 99-mile range and would expect the #2 to provide a slightly more upmarket alternative to affordable A-segment models like the Twingo and its inbound Nissan twin.

Read more:
The best new EVs coming in 2026: Top 10 most anticipated electric cars

Peugeot has unveiled its futuristic-looking Polygon Concept at an online event, which hints heavily at the next generation of its all-electric e-208 supermini.

Measuring at just less than four metres long, the futuristic looking Peugeot Polygon Concept takes its name from its ‘Hypersquare’ steering wheel or “steering control” – the next iteration of the French carmaker’s divisive i-Cockpit.

The Polygon Concept is the first Peugeot to adopt a steer-by-wire system, meaning it does away with a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the tyres. By using electronically-controlled sensors, Peugeot promises that this software-defined approach will translate into “driving pleasure exemplified in a compact car.”

By doing away with a physical link between the driver and the road, cabin space is freed up to let in an abundance of natural light. With the Hypersquare set high up on the dashboard, this allows the Stellantis-owned manufacturer to do away with an array of touchscreens. Instead, car information is projected from inside the dashboard onto the windscreen, essentially creating a 31-inch touchscreen.

The steer-by-wire system reaches full lock when the Hypersquare – with its four circular holes in each corner – is turned 170 degrees in one direction. This means lock-to-lock can be achieved in one full rotation of the wheel. In the current e-208, this takes three full turns.

The steer-by-wire system is said to provide a sense of “hyper agility” at higher speeds, and a better sense of accuracy throughout the driving experience. As early as 2027, Peugeot promises a software defined production model featuring steer-by-wire tech. This has led to speculation that the second-gen e-208 could arrive by then.

The Peugeot Polygon Concept adopts “a more feline stance than ever,” ushering in a less fussy, more geometrically-driven approach to its future designs. Like the new, all-electric Renault Twingo, the wheels have been pushed out to the very corners of the car to maximise space. Unfortunately, the ‘XXL’ gullwing doors are unlikely to make it onto the production model.

Peugeot has retained its signature three-claw light design, but reimagined it using Micro-LED tech running the width of the car’s front and rear. Another Micro-LED screen is position on the C-pillar adjacent to the pop-up cable port, allowing for drivers to keep an eye on the battery charge level from the outside.

Despite not making a direct reference to its past, the Polygon Concept’s angular design appears to draw on what many consider to be Peugeot’s finest hour – the 205 GTi. With the lozenge shape badging on the C-pillar – and the C-pillar itself – There’s more than a nod to one of Peugeot’s greatest hits.

When it comes to market, the new Peugeot e-208 will sit on parents company Stellantis’ STLA Small architecture, which is EV exclusive. Battery options can range from 37kwh to 82kWh, promising better range than the current e-208’s 268 miles. The platform will be shared with the electric-only next-gen Vauxhall Corsa.

Peugeot has sought to make the Polygon Concept as sustainable as possible by using materials sourced from the recycled seats of old Peugeots. Meanwhile, the exterior of the seats is made from recycled plastic.

Reflected in the introduction of the steer-by-wire system, Peugeot seeks to use as fewer parts as possible in the car’s construction, as this results in the Polygon Concept being lighter, more efficient, and easier to repurpose at the end of its life.

Read more:
Peugeot Polygon Concept literally reinvents the wheel with upcoming e-208

The Peugeot e-5008 single motor is the cheapest seven-seat SUV on the electric car market by some margin. Does it make any sense up against its more powerful twin-motor sibling, though?

Cast your mind back around two-and-a-bit decades, and seven-seaters seemed to be everywhere on UK roads. But with the rise of the SUV, they seemingly vanished overnight.

In recent years, it would be churlish to say that the seven-seat family mover has made a full-on, late 1990s/early 2000s-style comeback here in Blighty. It hasn’t. However, in the electric car world, there are several seven-seaters on sale today of note.

Amongst others, these include the Volvo EX90, the Hyundai Ioniq 9, its sister car the Kia EV9, and the oh-so-opulent Mercedes EQS SUV. Yet these are all very expensive – pricing for the entry level Kia and Hyundai hovers around the £65,000 mark, the Volvo begins at £83k, and the EQS won’t get you much change from £130,000.

Fortunately, though, there is a third way to seven-seaterdom. And it’s the Peugeot e-5008 single motor, which is priced from £52,140 for the top-spec GT trim.

Yet as tempting as it may be to plump for this version over the slightly pricier e-5008 Dual Motor, finding the additional funds for the more expensive car is well worth it for a very good reason…

Design, interior, technology

Whether in dual or single motor guise, the Peugeot e-5008 is a handsome thing. It’s different without being obnoxious, and that oh-so-touchable ‘floating’ grille is one of my favourite pieces of car design from this year. Further shoutouts go to the c-pillar on the Toyota C-HR+ and all of the Škoda Elroq Edition 85.

Riding on parent company Stellantis’ electric-only STLA medium platform, the e-5008 single motor is very much related to the Citroen e-C5 Aircross and the Vauxhall Grandland. While the Citroen’s styling may be too bonkers for some and the Grandland’s too bland for others, the e-5008 sits nicely in the middle.

Like its dual-motor stablemate, the e-5008 single motor boasts one of the nicest cabins of any c-segment SUV around today thanks to its i-cockpit loayout. The curved 21-inch infotainment system sat atop the dashboard is crisp with clear, futuristic-style graphics, while the i-Toggles (the smaller screen sitting below the main screen) can be configured with your most-used functions.

For me, this was the wireless Apple CarPlay. Unfortunately on our test car, there wasn’t a single button to turn off all the ADAS as-per the Dual Motor we drove in Germany this year. Nonetheless, switching off the driver assists wasn’t difficult, and was just a few presses away in the infotainment screen.

Of course, the Peugeot e-5008 single motor gets that tiny Peugeot steering wheel, which you look over rather than through. I always forget how much I enjoy this when driving a Peugeot. Given the wheel sits almost in your lap, this piece of ergonomic madcappery shouldn’t work. It does, though. Trust me, I’m a car journalist.

The dashboard remains the e-5008’s signature blend of sharp contours, interesting textures, and matching hues. I normally don’t care about different ‘ambient’ lighting inside a car, but I found myself switching between blue and yellow. A total of eight are available, including other hues of blue, plus a red and a green.

Throughout the cabin, piano black is kept to a minimum, but Stellantis ‘comedy gear selector’ remains – in a flagship costing north of £50K, I wouldn’t have expected it to come with the same silver plastic gear flicker as an e-208. Alas.

Measuring up at just an inch shy of five meters, the Peugeot e-5008 is a big car. No surprises, then, that there’s plenty of space on offer. Fold the second and third row of seats down, and you get a van-like 2,232 litres of space. With the second row in place, there’s still 916 litres of space remaining. With the third row up, this drops boot capacity to 348 litres…

…and on that rear row, unless you have very small people and/or contortionists in your family, don’t expect anyone to be fitting in there comfortably, if at all.

Battery, motor, performance

Back when I drove the all-wheel drive, e-5008 Dual Motor, I very much enjoyed its 310bhp. It carved up the Autobahn breezily, and the power-to-weight ratio suited the 2.3-tonne SUV’s heft very well. Unfortunately that cannot be said for the front-wheel drive single-motor car.

With 207bhp and 184lb ft of torque available, that’s simply not enough for a car of this size. The 0-62mph run is covered in just 0.3 shy of 10 seconds. For context, the much smaller Vauxhall Frontera Electric’s 0-62mph time is 12.9 seconds, and that’s considered one of the slowest cars on sale today.

The single-motor e-5008 doesn’t get the tightened anti-roll bar and stiffened suspension and springs of the Dual Motor, and it shows in the handling. While not uncomfortable like the e-3008 single motor, the bigger single motor Pug eschews the merest suggestion of sporty driving.

There are three driving modes: ‘Eco’, ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’. The first two are absolutely fine – they allow you cruise about at leisure, suiting the big easy nature of the single motor e-5008 perfectly.

Engage Sport, though, and you’re confronted with buckets of understeer and for reasons I still cannot fathom, oversteer. It’s not hugely pleasant, and threw up ‘Nam-esque flashbacks of Peugeot’s ambitious-but-ill-handling 307 CC World Rally Car.

If you don’t particularly care about performance and swear to French Jesus to avoid Sport mode – and indeed you should – then the single motor e-5008 goes about doing its job just fine.

The single motor has a 311-mile range, while the Dual Motor’s is estimated at 289 miles. Both cars share the same 73kWh battery with a 160kW charging rate. This means that a 20-80% charge is doable within 30 minutes.

Peugeot quotes the e-5008 to have a consumption figure of 3.5 miles per kilowatt hour. I achieved 3.0 miles/kWh, but I attribute that largely to switching between drive modes to get a feel for the car in all conditions.

It is worth noting that as of September this year, all e-5008s now come with standard vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality. To ensure maximum range, a heat pump for the winter months is available as an optional extra.

Price and specification

Our test car was the top-tier GT model, which comes with two-tone 19-inch ‘Breda’ diamond-cut alloys, and a ‘floating effect’ black rear spoiler. Further changes over the the entry-level Allure model include dynamic front seas with three-stage heating and a manually-adjusted lumbar support.

The Peugeot e-5008 GT single motor also comes with – amongst others – a heated leather steering wheel, a reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors, a hands free tailgate, and dark tinted privacy class. The optional ‘Mistral Black’ seats with contrasting ‘ice’ stitching were an £1,110 option. This brought the price of our car up to £53,240.

On options, it’s worth noting that the car’s standard Ingaro Blue finish isn’t the most flattering. It looks slightly dull and doesn’t accentuate the body’s slashes and contours.

Thankfully, Peugeot offers five other colours to choose from, all of which cost £750 each. Our picks of the bunch here would be ‘Nero Black’, ‘Cumulus Grey’, or ‘Okenite White’. By speccing a nicer paint job, the e-5008 single motor now costs £53,990.

Verdict

And it’s that price that rankles a little, because the Peugeot e-5008 Dual Motor Launch Edition is priced from £58,990. Sure, it’s a £5k difference, but deals can be had and dealers can be knocked down. What’s more, if you’re spending over £50k on a car, then you can most likely go down the back of the sofa to make up the difference for what’s a far better car.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with the e-5008 single motor. It’s good looking, comfortable, and does everything you’d want from a seven-seat SUV. But given the slight premium for the quicker, more comfortable, better handling dual-motor version, it doesn’t make that much sense.

Peugeot E-5008 single motor

• Price: £52,140
• Transmission: Single motor, front-wheel drive
• Battery: 73kWh
• Power: 207bhp
• Torque: 184 lb ft
• Top speed: 105mph
• 0-62mph: 9.7 seconds
• Range: 310 miles
• Consumption: 3.0 miles per kilowatt hour (3.5 miles/kWh WLTP)
• Charging: Up to 160kW

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Peugeot e-5008 single motor review: Big brother’s better